It is as I mentioned...tax deductibility and an off balance sheet transaction. Some excerpts... http://www.omchospital.com/medical-supplies/tax-and-cash-flow-benefits-of-leasing-medical-equipment.html/ As medical technology is ever changing and new equipment enhancements are developed, renting equipment is a logical choice for a variety of reasons. Medical equipment leasing can keep their balance sheet intact, as monthly equipment lease payments can be classified as operating expenses. This would also allow the provider to benefit from tax deductibility. According to industry research, over $3 billion of medical equipment was leased last year in the United States. In its simplest form, the lessor purchases the equipment and then rents it to the lessee. At the end of the lease term, the lessee has the following choices: Buy the equipment Re-lease the equipment Rent new equipment Return the equipment The worth of medical equipment does not come from owning it, but rather from the results of its use. Tax Advantages: An operating lease (also known as a true lease) generally allows the lessee to write off 100% of lease payments made during the year. The equipment write-off is tied to the lease term, which can be shorter than IRS depreciation schedules, resulting in larger tax deductions each year. The deduction is also the same every year, which simplifies budgeting. Maintains capital reserves: Leasing allows you to buy the equipment and tools you need today while spreading out all the payments over time. This provides you with a cash reserve for day to day expenses. Since a true lease is not a long term obligation, it will not show up on your balance sheet, so the company will be more attractive to a conventional lender when or if one is needed in the future.